Despite several fashion chains struggling to keep afloat amid growing pressures in the retail sector, almost half of independent high street businesses see their future as “booming”, according to a new report.

Amazon Registry Services has launched a new .Bot platform and has partnered with Automat on Beauty.bot, an artificial intelligence-powered conversational messaging platform custom tailored for the beauty industry.

Avon on Thursday reported its first earnings beat in six quarters as it signed up more sales representatives in the EMEA region to sell its cosmetics. The firm will shutter Australia and New Zealand activity by year-end.